Employers increasingly rely on third-party background checks to verify criminal and employment histories. Unfortunately, inaccurate or outdated information on these reports can unfairly disqualify qualified candidates—sometimes even before the company interviews them. But the good news is that you can take steps to set the record straight.
How inaccuracies can derail your career
Mistakes in a background check, such as incorrect criminal records or misattributed entries, can happen. And when it does, it can cost someone a job without warning. Even dismissed charges or expunged cases may still appear if databases are not correctly updated. In regulated industries, these errors can lead to the individual’s automatic disqualification.
The effects go beyond job applications. Inaccurate records can block promotions, delay professional licenses or affect security clearances. For employees who’ve worked hard to advance, these mistakes can result in lost opportunities and harm their reputation.
What you can do to fix the record
If you suspect an error in your background check, act quickly. Start by requesting a copy of your consumer, credit and criminal reports. Review them for inaccuracies—common issues include outdated charges, duplicate listings or incorrect identifiers. Here’s what you can do:
- Dispute any errors in writing with the reporting agency. The law requires them to investigate and correct inaccuracies, typically within 30 days. If a report affects a job application, share the dispute and supporting documents with the employer to clarify the issue.
- Consider whether you’re eligible for expungement or record sealing. In Minnesota, for example, expunged records are generally not visible to employers. Also, understand your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Title VII, which provide protections against discrimination. “Ban-the-Box” policies may also delay background checks to ensure fairer evaluations.
Character references and evidence of rehabilitation can help reframe your story. And if the process becomes overwhelming, an experienced consumer protection attorney can guide you through disputes, expungements and defending your rights.
Why accuracy matters and when to get help
A background check error doesn’t have to define your future. Regularly reviewing your records can lessen the possibility of mistakes. You can also pursue expungement or dispute inaccuracies. If you feel overwhelmed, asking the help of a consumer protection attorney can smoothen the process. They can help you understand complex disputes and advocate for you. Most of all, they can ensure our record accurately reflects who you are today.